Recovery Professionals Churches Aren't Using - Featuring Lisa Retezan

In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore how churches can better support people facing addiction and mental health challenges by partnering with peer recovery professionals.  They are joined by Lisa Retezan, founder of WayMakers to Recovery and a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who uses her lived experience to help others find hope, connection, and lasting recovery. The conversation examines how Certified Peer Recovery Specialists and Recovery Community Organizations can provide practical support when someone is ready to seek help, especially during brief moments when hope and motivation are strongest. Together, they consider why churches should view peer recovery support not as an added expense, but as a powerful investment in creating communities where people can find healing without judgment.  About the podcast: Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring. Other resources: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/ The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/ "Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey. Music: Pond5. Episode release date: September 1, 2026. Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/  "Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/  Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/